Valve



H. A. RIKE u Sept. 27, 1938. n

VALVE Filed July 12, 1937 S I l f Patented Sept. 27, 1938 STATES VALVE 3Howard A. Rike, Fort Y Application July 12, 1937-.,'Se`ral- No.-153,195'

` 12 claims. (ci izsifssy' This invention relates to new and usefulimprovements in valves. One objectof the invention is to provide animproved valve structure which may be readily install'edin the intakechamber of a gas engine 'to control' the admittance of fuel to saidengine.

An important object of the' invention is to provide an improved valvestructure including a valve head which is arranged to be mounted in theintake chamber of a gas engine in place of the usual large single valve;said head having a plurality of relatively light valves mounted therein,whereby battering or marring of the valve seat due to the poundingaction rof a large valve, which is relatively heavy, against said seatis eliminated.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved valve clusterwhich is adapted to be substituted for the usual single intake valve ofa gas engine, wherein a plurality of relatively light Valves control theadmission of fuel, said valves being actuated by the engine suction anddue to their light weight are quick opening and closing, whereby fuelwaste is minimized; each valve being individually mounted in theassembly to permit its repair or replacement without affecting the othervalves.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved valvecluster of the character described, wherein the stroke of the individualvalves is limited which eliminates hammering or pounding of said valvesin operation; said valves being arranged to seat on a head forming partof the assembly, whereby operation of the valves causes no appreciablewear on the engine valve chamber.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafterdescribed, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood fro-m a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to the accompanying drawing, inwhich an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a transverse, vertical, sectional View of the intake chamberof a gas engine having a valve assembly constructed in accordance withthe invention mounted therein,

Figure 2 is a plan view of the valve assembly,

Figure 3 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view takenon theV line 33v of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is an enlarged horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on theline 4 4 of Figure 1, and

Figure 5 is a bottom View of the assembly.V

In the drawing, the numeral I0 designates the intake valve chamber of agas engine which may be of any usual construction, such as may bepurchased on the open market. The particular engine toy which theinvention is 'applied` is subjectito vari-ation; as it has been foundthat the same is readily mounted in any of a number ofstandard-gasengines, namely, Bessemer, Superior, Marion, J. C., andReid. The Avalve chamber is provided with a transverse partition YIl*located at sumtantially mid-height therein and `an. opening I2 in thetop of the chamberijestablishes communication between the interior ofthe' chamber and the'corn'bustion chamber of' the engine (not shown). Ahorizon- 'tal inletport YI3rextends through the wall of the casing belowthej partition II- to admit theV fuel mixture into the chamber lil,while a central cylil whereby the fuel Vmixture may flow upwardly :i

through said opening I Il and chamber, from 'where it is conducted tothev engine. Manifestly, by controlling the ow through the opening I4inthe partition Il, thefuel' mixture admitted to the engine iscontrolled. Y

VThe upper vportion of 'the' opening I is enlarged' torform an annularseat I5and it has been the usual practice to employ a single valveYadapted to engage the seat. Such a valve is guided' inits movement by adepending stem Whichis' s'lidable in a sleeve or collar I6 extendingupwardly from the bottom of the chamber Ill.Y The'single Valve iscomparatively heavy in weight and' since engine suction is depended uponto raise said valve, the operation of the same is relatively slow. Also,the'weight of the valve causes'the same to seat with a great deal offorce'which batters the seat I5, resulting in a poor seatingengagementwiththe valve. Vlhen said seat vdoes become worn, it isnecessary to eitherV replace the entire intake chamber or remove thesame from the lengine to repair it. Further, wear of the valve itselfrequires replacement of the entire valve.

To overcome theY disadvantages of a single valve such as is now incommon use, a cylindrical valve head I1, is inserted within the openingI4 and is supported on the annular shoulder I5, as is clearly shown inFigure 1. An axial shank i8 depends from the head, being preferably madeintegral therewith, and said shank extends below the bottom of' thepartition II .into the lower end of the chamber l0. An axial stem I9 hasits upper end threaded in the bottom of the shank, while its lowerV endis inserted within the upwardly extending sleeve or collar I6. The boreof the sleeve is threaded to receive the lower threaded end of the stemand manifestly, the stem acts toisecurely fasten theV head Il' on theseat I5. y

Y A plurality of openings or ports 20 extend ver'- tically through thehead', being preferably located an equal distance apart around the head.As is clearly shownin Figures'2 and 3f, the openings are disposedbetween the periphery of the head* and the shank I8, and establishcommunication between the upper and lower portions of the chamber I 0 oneach side of the partition I I. The ports may vary in number accordingto the H. P. of the gas engine and although four have been illustratedin the drawing, the invention is not to be limited to any particularnumber.

For controlling the flow of fuel through the ports 2B, a plurality ofvalve members 2l are provided. Each valve member is arranged to closefone of the ports and since all of the members and ports are exactlyalike, a description of one member and its engagement, with itsrespective port will sufce. Each valve member includes a valve disk 22having an annular bevel 23 on its underside at its marginal portion. Theupper end of each port is formed with a complementary bevel to form aseat 24 arranged to be engaged by the bevel of the valve disk. A valvestem 25, preferably integral with the disk, depends axially from theunderside of said disk and passes through a vertical bore or opening 26formed in a radially extending guide boss or collar 21. The guide collaris preferably made integral with the lower end of the shank I8 and asclearly shown in Figure 4, a guide collar is provided for each valvemember and is so positioned that the stem 25 of said member passesthrough the bore thereof. A suitable .guide sleeve 28 is inserted in thebore 26 of each boss or collar and surrounds the stem. The sleeve has anannular flange 29 at its lower end which flange abuts the underside ofthe boss when in position within the bore. l

The lower end of each stem -25 extends below its boss or collar and isenlarged as shown at 30, whereby a flanged ring 3I may be slidablyconfined on the stem. A coiled spring 3 I surrounds each stem, beingconfined between the ring 3| and the underside of the boss or collar,and constantly exerts its pressure to urge the valve member downwardlywith the disk 22 engaging the seat 24. Thus, said springs tend to holdthe valve members in a closedposition, whereby communication between thelower end and the upper end of the chamber is prevented.

Manifestly, the valve members 2I control the now of the fuel mixture tothe combustion chamber of the gas engine (not shown) and the size of theports 2li is such that their combined area admits sufcient fuel when thedisks 22 of the members are unseated. The suction of the engine actsupon the upper surface of the disks to unseat the same under tension vofthe coiled springs 3|' and since the valve members are relatively light,said suction quickly opens the members. Similarly, when the suction isrelieved, the springs 3I immediately seat the disks to close theopenings. The lightness of the members obviates the pounding orhammering action against their seats which prolongs the life of both theseats and disks.

To limit the upward movement of the valve members 2I so that the suctiondoes not raise said members farther than is necessary, a spider 32 isformed with a central depending collar 33, which collar rests on the topof the head I1 at the central portion thereof. The spider arms 34overhang the disks 22 of the valve members 2I and a stud bolt 35 passesthrough a vertical axial bore 36 formed in the spider and collar and isthreaded into the head I'I. Obviously, upward movement of the members islimited by the disks 22 striking the spider arms 34. It is noted thatother means for limiting the upward movement of the members may beemployed, such as providing a projection on the stem LS-arranged tostrike the underside of the boss and therefore, the invention is not tobe limited to any particular type of stop means.

From the above, it will be seen that a plurality of small, relativelylight valves are mounted in a single assembly which is substituted forthe usual single valve. The valves are positive in operation being quickopening and closing, which results in fuel saving and more efficientengine performance. Further, the valve disks and seats are not subjectto severe pounding or hammering action because ofthe lightness in weightof the valves and also because of the limited movement which the valvesundergo. If any one of the valve members become worn, it can easily bereplaced Without aifecting the other valve members. Also, if the seatsbecome worn the assembly may be removed and said seat re-ground, or anentire new assembly substituted therefor. It is particularly noted thatthe construction herein shown causes no wear on the intake chamber asthe shoulder I 5 therein merely supports the head and does not act as avalve seat, as has been the practice heretofore.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A valve assembly adapted to be mounted in the valve intake chamber ofa gas engine having a valve seat therein including, a head mounted onthe valve seat of said engine, and a plurality of valve members movablein the head and operable by the engine suction for controlling theadmission of fuel to said engine.

2. A valve assembly adapted to be mounted in the valve intake chamber ofa gasengine having a valve seat therein including, a valve head mountedon the valve seat of said engine and arranged to close the fuel intakeopening within the chamber and having a plurality of ports therein, anda valve member closing each port and adapted to be moved by the enginesuction to open the port, whereby fuel is admitted to the engine throughsaid ports.

3. A valve assembly adapted to be mountedin the valve intake chamber ofa gas engine having a valve seat therein including, a valve head mountedon the valve seat of said engine and arranged to close the fuel intakeopening Within the chamber and having a plurality of ports therein, avalve member closing each port and adapted to be moved by the enginesuction to open the port, whereby fuel is admitted to the engine throughsaid ports, and means for limiting the movement of said valve members.

4. A valve assembly adapted to be mounted in the valve intake chamber ofa gas engine having a valve seat therein including, a valve head mountedon the valve seat of said engine and secured within the chamber andclosing the fuel intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports therein through which fuel may flow to the engine, and a pluralityof valve members one for each port arranged to close said ports, andspring pressed means for urging said valve members to a closed position,said members being moved to their open position by the suction of theengine.

- 5. A valve assembly adaptedrto be mounted in the valve intakechamberofa gas engine having a Valve seat therein including, a valve head mountedon the valve seat of said engine and secured within the chamber andclosing the fuel intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports therein through which fuel may ow to the engine, a plurality ofvalve members one for each port arranged to close said ports, springpressed means for urging said valve members to a closed position, saidmembers being moved to their open position by the suction of the engine,and means secured to the head and overhanging the valve members forlimiting the movement of the members.

6. The combination with a gas engine valve chamber having a transversepartition therein and an intake opening extending through the partition,of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in the partition andclosing the intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports through which the fuel may flow to the engine, a plurality ofvalve members one for each port for closing said ports, each memberincluding a disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie one of the portsand exposed to the suction of the engine, a guide stem depending fromeach disk, and a coiled spring surrounding the lower end of the stem ofeach valve member for urging the members to their closed position, saidmembers being moved to their open position by the engine suction.

'7. The combination with a gas engine Valve chamber having a transversepartition therein and an intake opening extending through the partition,of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in the partition andclosing the intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports through which the fuel may flow to the engine, a plurality ofvalve members one for each port for closing said ports, each memberincluding a disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie one of the portsand exposed to the suc-v tion of the engine, a guide stem depending fromeach disk, means carried by the head through which the stems of themembers are slidable for guiding the members in their movement, andresilient means for urging the members to their closed positions, saidmembers being moved to their open positions by the engine suction.

8. The combination with a gas engine valve chamber having a transversepartition therein and an intake opening extending through the partition,of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in the partition andclosing the intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports through which the fuel may ow to the engine, a plurality of valvemembers one for each port for closing said ports, each member includinga disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie one of the ports andexposed to the suction of the engine, a guide stem depending from eachdisk, a coiled spring surrounding the lower end of the stem of eachvalve member for urging the members to their closed position, saidmembers being moved to their open position by the engine suction, andmeans secured to the head and overhanging the valve members for limitingthe movement of the members.

9. The combination with a gas engine valve chamber having a transversepartition therein and an intake opening extending through the partition,of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in the partition andclosing the intake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports through which the fuel may flow to the engine, a plurality ofvalve members one foreach port for closing said ports, each memberincluding a disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie one of the portsand exposed to the suction of the engine, a guide stem depending fromeach disk, means carried by the head through which the stems of themembers are slidable for guiding the members in their movement,resilient means for urging the members to their closed positions, saidmembers being moved to their open positionsv by the engine suction, andmeans secured to the head and overhanging the valve members for limitingthe movement of the members.

10. The combination with a gas engine valve y chamber having atransverse partition therein and an intake opening extending through thepartition, of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in thepartition andclosing the intake opening therein, said head having aplurality of ports through which the fuel may flow to the engine, aplurality of valve members one for each port for closing said ports,each member including a disk adapted to seat on the head Y 11. Thecombination with a gas engine valve y chamber having a transversepartition therein' and an intake opening extending through thepartitionVof a valve assemblyl including, a valve head mounted in thepartition and closing the intake opening therein, said head havingaplurality of ports through which the fuel may flow to the engine, aplurality of valve members one for each port for closing said ports,each member including a disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie oneof the ports and exposed to the suction of the engine, a guide stemdepending from each disk, an axial shank depending from the head anddisposed between the depending stems of the valve members, a pluralityof radially extending guide collars on the lower end of the shankthrough which the stems extend to guide the valve members in theirmovement, and resilient means surrounding the stems for urging the valvemembers to their closed positions, said members being moved to theiropen position by the engine suction.

12. The combination with a gas engine valve chamber having a transversepartition therein and an intake opening extending through the partition,of a valve assembly including, a valve head mounted in the partition andclosing'the yintake opening therein, said head having a plurality ofports'through which the fuel may flow to the engine, a plurality ofvalve members one for each port for closing said ports, each memberincluding a disk adapted to seat on the head to overlie one of the portsand exposed to the suction of the engineya guide stem depending fromeach disk, an axial shank depending from the head and disposed betweenthe depending stems of the valve members, a plurality of radiallyextending guide collars on the lower end of the shank through which thestems extend to guide the valve members in their movement, resilientmeans surrounding the stems for urging the valve members to theirclosed. positions, said members being moved to their open position bythe engine suction, and means secured to the HOWARD A. RIKE.

